13 May 09 13:50
After much teasing, Vauxhall has released the first official photos of the new-generation Astra.
This British-built Astra will be launched in five-door hatchback form at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, with UK sales starting towards the end of the year. Three-door versions will follow.
The Astra Mk6 bears a strong resemblance to the Insignia, with a similar outline and related features. 'We're continuing with the same premium design cues as the Insignia, inside and out of the car', says Mark Adams, leader of the design team and vice-president of GM Europe Design.
'However, the main design themes, like the wing-shaped light signatures and the blade, needed an individual execution to avoid "cloning" the model ranges. This is why, for example, you see twin wings in the rear lights and a reversed blade on its flanks'.
Expect a wraparound dashboard design like that of the Insignia, and Vauxhall also promises 'big improvements in packaging, seat design and in-cabin storage'. The all-new chassis has a longer wheelbase - 71mm longer than that of the outgoing Astra five-door, allowing for greater cabin space, and a wider track plus new rear axle design.
Options will include the FlexRide adaptive-damping system, with standard, sport and 'tour' modes, as well as features such as adaptive forward bi-xenon lighting.
Engines for the range will include an all-new turbocharged 1.4-litre petrol unit (140bhp), as well as three other petrol engines giving 100-180bhp and four diesels, from 95bhp-160bhp.
